Puri: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has decided to put up the scaffolding that was damaged due to Cyclone Fani on May 3.

Speaking to media, a senior ASI official said a decision has been taken to complete repair work of the main temple during the Rath Yatra.

“As the Lords are presently placed in the sanctum sanctorum, there will be no repair work in the upper portion of the temple. Keeping this in view, it has been decided that repair work will be taken up from the day of Rath Yatra on July 4.” an official said.

Repair work will be completed before the Lords’ entry into the temple after Suna Besha.

The official said the iron scaffolding would be put up again around the main temple wall to examine the condition of the Neelachakra, Kanakamundi (on which the Kalasa is placed) and the outer wall. “If there is any crack, we will repair it. After the repair work is completed, we will remove the scaffolding,” he said.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) director-general Usha Sharma, who had visited the temple on May 10, a week after the cyclone, had assured that repair and restoration work of the temple will be completed before the Rath Yatra.